JP6953678B2 - Formed component analyzer and formed component analysis method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for analyzing formed components in a sample and its use.

As a device for analyzing the formed components in the sample, a means for dispensing the sample, a means for adding a dyeing solution for mixing with the sample, and a translucent plate integrated type in which the mixed solution of the sample and the dyeing solution is coated. Means for dispensing into the gaps between the translucent plates, an imaging stage for imaging the sample on the translucent plate, means for enlarging the sample image of the formed portion in the sample, and the sample image of the formed portion. A formed component analyzer having a function of automatically focusing and imaging the image and a means of processing the captured image and identifying it into various components is disclosed. (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2)

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-185803 WO2008 / 007725

An object of the present invention is to construct an analysis device that is easier for the user to use in the formed component analysis method using the formed component analyzer as described above.

As a result of diligent studies, the present inventors have found that by including a step of performing imaging at a fixed focus in the formed component analysis method, it is possible to analyze a sample more easily than before, and have completed the present invention. rice field. That is, the present invention has the following configuration.

Item 1.
An apparatus for analyzing formed components, which has the following means (1) to (4).
(1) Imaging stage for imaging the sample on the translucent plate (2) Means for enlarging the sample image of the formed component in the sample (3) Means for imaging the sample image of the formed component with a fixed focus (4) ) Means for processing the captured image and identifying it into various components Item 2.
Item 2. The apparatus according to Item 1, which has the means of (5) below.
(5) Means for automatically placing the sample on the translucent plate Item 3.
Item 2. The device according to Item 1, to which another device having the means of (5) is connected.
Item 4.
Item 2. The apparatus according to Item 2 or 3, wherein the means of (5) include at least one of the means shown in (5A) to (5D) below.
(5A) Means for centrifuging the sample (5B) Means for dispensing the sample (5C) Means for adding the stain solution (5D) Means for dispensing or dropping the sample onto the translucent plate Item 5.
A method for analyzing formed components, which comprises the following steps (1) to (3).
(1) Step of enlarging the sample image of the formed component in the sample (2) Step of imaging the sample image of the formed component with a fixed focus (3) Process of processing the captured image and identifying it into various components. 6.
Item 5. The method for analyzing formed components according to Item 5, which comprises the following step (4) before the step (1).
(4) Step 7. Automatically place the sample on the translucent plate.
Item 6. The method according to Item 6, wherein the step (4) includes at least one or more of the steps shown in (4A) to (4D) below.
(4A) Step of centrifuging the sample (4B) Step of dispensing the sample (4C) Step of adding the stain solution (4D) Step of dispensing or dropping the sample onto the translucent plate 8.
Item 6. The method according to Item 6 or Item 7, wherein the steps (1) to (3) and the step (4) are performed by separate devices.

According to the present invention, in the formed component analysis method, it is possible to analyze a sample more efficiently and reliably than before, and it is possible to construct an analysis device that is easy for the user to use.

A semi-finished product in the form of a translucent plate used in the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II shown in FIG. A form of a translucent plate used in the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV shown in FIG. A form of a translucent plate used in the present invention. A form of a translucent plate used in the present invention. A form of a translucent plate used in the present invention. A form of a translucent plate used in the present invention. A form in which the translucent plate used in the present invention is washed and used repeatedly. A form in which the translucent plate used in the present invention is washed and used repeatedly.

The analyzer according to the present invention is an analyzer for analyzing formed components contained in a sample, and has the following means (1) to (4).
(1) Imaging stage for imaging the sample on the translucent plate (2) Means for enlarging the sample image of the formed component in the sample (3) Means for imaging the sample image of the formed component with a fixed focus (4) ) Means for processing captured images and identifying them into various components

The "tangible component" referred to in the present specification may be any tangible solid component contained in the sample, and other specific configurations are not limited. For example, the formed component in the biological sample may be one dispersed or suspended in the biological sample. For example, when urine is used as a biological sample, erythrocyte groups such as normal erythrocytes and deformed erythrocytes, leukocyte groups such as Pale cells, Dark cells, and Glitter cells, epithelial groups such as squamous epithelium, transition epithelium, tubule epithelium, and columnar epithelium. , Glass column, Granular column, Wax-like column, Epithelial column, Erythrocyte column, Leukocyte column, Fat column, vacuolar degenerated column, Hemoglobin column, Hemodiderin column, Myoglobin column, Birylbin column, Amyloid column, Bence Jones column, Platelet column, Bacterial column, salt column, crystal column, column group such as wide column, fungus such as erythrocyte, rod fungus, fungus, fungus for yeast, parasite group such as trichomonas protozoa, malaria protozoa, tick, calcium oxalate crystal, uric acid crystal, Urate, ammonium urate crystal, calcium phosphate crystal, ammonium magnesium phosphate crystal, bilirubin crystal, tyrosine crystal, leucine crystal, cystine crystal, cholesterol crystal, 2,8-dihydroxyadenine (DHA) crystal, calcium carbonate crystal, exogenous crystal, etc. Crystal group, amorphous salts such as amorphous urate, amorphous phosphate, oval fat pad, fat globules, intracellular inclusions, nuclear inclusions, sperm, macrophages and the like. ..

The term "analysis" as used herein means any one of conventionally known analytical methods such as observation, judgment, classification, comparison, measurement, measurement, and analysis of formed components, or a combination of a plurality of these methods. It was done.

As used herein, the term "sample" is intended for any sample that may contain formed material and that the user wishes to inspect. For example, it includes biological samples and non-biological samples obtained from living organisms. The biological sample is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include whole blood, spinal fluid, prostatic fluid, urine, ascites, joint fluid, tear fluid, saliva, serum, and plasma. In particular, urine, such as raw urine, concentrated urine, or urine sediment after centrifuging urine, is preferable. In addition, examples of non-biological samples include other fluid samples having non-biological properties, such as samples for water quality inspection and environmental survey.

The "sample" may be supplemented with a reagent for assisting in the identification of formed components. The reagent for assisting the identification of formed components is not particularly limited. For example, as a method for assisting component identification, a Sternheimer-Malbin staining method, a Sternheimer staining method, a Prescott-Brodie staining method, a Behre-Muhlberg staining method, a Sudan III staining method, a Lugol staining method, a hemosiderin staining method, a hemosiderin staining method, and a Palesin dyeing method. 4-Chloro-1-naphthol method, Field staining method, Quaglino-Flemans method, Kaplow method, Sato / Sekiya method, Berlin blue method, Gimza staining method, Light staining method, Pappenheim staining method, Congo red staining method, Methyl green / Pyronine staining method, Alcian blue staining method, Shoal staining method, Foilgen staining method, Oil red O staining method, Brecker method, Heinz body staining method, Neutral red / Janus green superbiostaining method, Brilliant cresil blue staining method, etc. Various methods are known, and a reagent containing one or more of the components used in at least one of these methods may be added.

In the apparatus and method of the present invention, the sample is placed on the "transmissive plate". The "translucent plate" may be any as long as it has translucency and can place a sample, and examples thereof include a slide glass and a cell.
In the apparatus and method of the present invention, when the sample contains a liquid, it is preferable that the "transmissive plate" includes a storage portion for filling the liquid sample inside. Further, it has a light-transmitting plate portion including a portion that defines the bottom surface of the storage portion, and a coated light-transmitting plate portion that is arranged to face the light-transmitting plate portion and includes a portion that defines the top surface of the storage portion. It is preferable to do so.

The form of the slide glass is not particularly limited, but when analyzing a liquid sample such as urine or cerebrospinal fluid, a form capable of storing the sample as illustrated in FIG. 8 (a1) is preferable. The form in which the sample is placed on the slide glass of (a1) is illustrated in (a2).
When the translucent plate is a slide glass, the placed sample may be coated with a coated translucent plate. Examples of the coated light-transmitting plate include a cover glass for a slide glass.
Examples of the material of the coated light-transmitting plate include the same materials as those of the above-mentioned light-transmitting plate, but the material is not particularly limited.
Further, the light-transmitting plate and the coated light-transmitting plate may be integrally formed.

The form of the cell is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include the form shown in FIG. 8 (b1). Further, it may be in the form of (b3) in which a plurality of cells are connected in parallel. The cell connection form in (b3) is not particularly limited. The form in which the sample is placed in the cell of (b1) is illustrated in (b2).
If a sample needs to be placed or discharged, the apparatus of the present invention further comprises
(6a) A mechanism for placing the sample on the translucent plate or discharging the sample from the translucent plate may be provided. As such a mechanism, for example, a suction / discharge mechanism using a known nozzle (for example, a pressurizing mechanism or a depressurizing mechanism) may be used. Such a mechanism is preferably attached to the device of the present invention.

As another form of the light transmitting plate, the form shown in (c1) of FIG. 8 can be mentioned. This form has a translucent tubular shape (the form of the cross section thereof is not particularly limited) and has a mechanism (not particularly limited, but for example, an opening / closing mechanism such as a valve) that allows opening and closing of at least one of them. , It is possible to store the sample. (C2) exemplifies the form in which the sample is placed in (c1). In (c2), the sample is placed in a state where the opening / closing mechanism is closed.
Although the example of (c1) has a form perpendicular to the ground and has an opening / closing mechanism only below, it may be installed in a horizontal direction or an oblique direction. In this case, if necessary, opening / closing mechanisms may be provided at both the sites on which the sample is placed.
When a sample needs to be placed or discharged, gravity can be utilized if it is not installed horizontally, but the apparatus of the present invention further provides.
(6b) A mechanism for placing the sample on the translucent plate or discharging the sample from the translucent plate may be provided. As such a mechanism, for example, a suction / discharge mechanism (for example, a pressurizing mechanism or a depressurizing mechanism) using a known nozzle may be provided. Such a mechanism is preferably attached to the device of the present invention.

The material of the translucent plate is not particularly limited as long as it has translucency such as plastic (synthetic resin) and glass. As the transparent synthetic resin material, for example, an acrylic resin such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate), polystyrene, or the like can be adopted. In the case of plastic, it is preferable to perform a chemical treatment to improve hydrophilicity, if necessary. Examples of the method for improving the hydrophilicity include a method in which a surfactant or the like is applied in advance to the surface in contact with the test solution, and preferably a plasma discharge treatment or a corona discharge treatment.
The translucent plate used in the present invention does not have to have translucency on the entire surface. For example, at least the sample placing portion may have translucency.

The translucent plate may be a single-use (disposable) one, or may be washed and used repeatedly. The form of washing and repeatedly using is not particularly limited. For example, a method of collecting and cleaning the translucent plate after being used for analysis and using it for another analysis can be mentioned. Another example is a method in which cleaning is performed for each analysis and one light-transmitting plate is used in succession for a plurality of analyzes. In this case, it is preferable that the analyzer is provided with a mechanism for cleaning the light transmitting plate. That is, the apparatus of the present invention further
(7) A mechanism for placing the cleaning liquid on the light transmitting plate or discharging the cleaning liquid from the light transmitting plate may be provided. As such a mechanism, for example, a suction / discharge mechanism using a known nozzle (for example, a pressurizing mechanism or a depressurizing mechanism) may be used. Such a mechanism is preferably attached to the device of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a form in which the cell illustrated in FIG. 8 (b1) is washed and used repeatedly. After the analysis is completed, the sample is removed from the state (a) in which the sample is placed on the cell using a known suction / discharge mechanism (b), and then the cleaning liquid is poured into the cell using a known suction / discharge mechanism or the like. (C) and wash. After the cleaning is completed, the cleaning liquid is removed from the cell using a known suction / discharge mechanism (d) and used for the next analysis (e). The washing may be performed twice or more. The composition of the cleaning liquid is not limited, and a surfactant or purified water can be appropriately used.

FIG. 10 shows a form in which the translucent plate illustrated in FIG. 8 (c1) is washed and repeatedly used. After the analysis is completed, the sample is placed on the translucent plate (a), the opening / closing mechanism is opened to discharge the sample (b), the opening / closing mechanism is closed, and a suction / discharge mechanism known for the transmissive plate is used. The cleaning liquid is added (c) using the above to clean. After the cleaning is completed, the opening / closing mechanism is opened to discharge the cleaning liquid (d), and the opening / closing mechanism is closed to be used for the next analysis (e). The washing may be performed twice or more. The composition of the cleaning liquid is not limited, and detergent and purified water can be appropriately used.

Regarding each mechanism shown above, when the nozzle is used in the combination of (6a) and (7) or the combination of (6b) and (7), it may be shared by each mechanism. By sharing, the device can be simplified and miniaturized.

When a suction / discharge mechanism using a nozzle is used for loading / discharging and / or cleaning the sample in the apparatus and method of the present invention, the apparatus of the present invention further comprises.
(8) It is preferable to have a mechanism for cleaning the nozzle. Examples of such a mechanism include a method of applying a cleaning liquid to the outside of the nozzle to wash it away, a method of sucking and discharging the cleaning liquid previously placed in a container, and the like. The liquid for cleaning the nozzle is not particularly limited, and a surfactant or purified water can be appropriately used.

When the translucent plate is used once (disposable), the possibility of carryover of the previous sample and contamination by the stain is zero, so that it is preferable because highly reliable measurement results can be provided.

When the light-transmitting plate is washed and used repeatedly, a mechanism for supplying the light-transmitting plate is not required, the device can be simplified and miniaturized, and it is not necessary to continue supplying the light-transmitting plate as a consumable item. It is preferable because there is no dust generated from the used light-transmitting plate.

The translucent plate that can be used in the present invention is also illustrated in paragraphs 0067 to 09999.

The means for placing the sample on the translucent plate is not particularly limited.
For example, when a slide glass is used for the light-transmitting plate, a method of dropping a sample on the slide glass and covering the slide glass with a cover glass (coated light-transmitting plate), a method of preparing a smear, and the like can be mentioned.

In the method using a slide glass and a cover glass, a light-transmitting plate integrated with a coated light-transmitting plate can also be used. When a light-transmitting plate integrated with a coated light-transmitting plate, which will be described later, is used, the sample can be placed by applying a probe or a chip that has sucked the sample to the gap between the slide glass and the cover glass and discharging the sample. Further, if the sample is dispensed in a range in contact with the gap (the surface of the slide glass or the cover glass constituting the cover glass), the sample can be placed by dispensing by the capillary phenomenon.
When these methods are used, the amount of the sample when the sample is placed on the translucent plate is not particularly limited. For example, when the sample contains a liquid, the entire bottom surface of the sample mounting portion of the translucent plate may be wet (covered). Preferably, the amount of liquid is such that the formed component in the sample does not separate from the bottom of the translucent plate.

The coated light-transmitting plate-integrated light-transmitting plate is preferable in that the formed component is less likely to be damaged by drying or physical damage, and / or is easy to automate.

When the forms (b1) and (c1) of FIG. 8 are used on the light transmissive plate, a sample can be placed using a known suction / discharge mechanism or the like.

The "imaging stage for imaging a sample on a translucent plate" in the apparatus and method of the present invention may be any one on which a translucent plate can be placed, and is not particularly limited, but the imaging position can be changed. It is preferably movable. The movement may be performed manually, but it is preferably performed mechanically using, for example, a servo motor, a stepping motor, a linear motor, or the like. For example, a slide glass is placed on an XY table in which a step motor is incorporated as a drive source, the XY table is driven by a signal from a drive circuit, and the slide glass is freely moved and stopped in the X coordinate axis direction and the Y coordinate axis direction. The imaging position may be changed.

The direction of the flat surface of the light transmitting plate placed on the imaging stage with respect to the ground is not particularly limited. In the above, an example of placing the product parallel to the ground on the XY plane has been shown, but it may be perpendicular to the ground or diagonally.

The method of setting the translucent plate on which the sample is placed on the imaging stage and the means used for the method are not particularly limited. For example, a plurality of translucent plates can be mounted, and a cassette made so that one of the mounted translucent plates can be supplied separately is prepared, and a plurality of translucent plates are set in the cassette for analysis. In this case, a method of supplying a light transmitting plate from a cassette as needed can be mentioned. In this method, the sample may be placed on the translucent plate before or after the translucent plate is set on the imaging stage.
As another method, for example, a mechanism for dispensing a reagent or the like by suction and discharge, a mechanism for placing a sample on a translucent plate, and a mechanism capable of accommodating the translucent plate for analysis. An example is a method of using a device provided with a mechanism capable of transporting the light-transmitting plate to a required place.

The "means for capturing a sample image of a formed portion" in the apparatus and method of the present invention is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a digital camera and a CCD color video camera. Further, the light source for imaging is not particularly limited. For example, the light emitted from the lamp may be focused on the sample on the slide glass by a condenser lens.

In the apparatus and method of the present invention, in the imaging means, the autofocus function is not used for focusing, and the focus is set in advance. Then, when imaging a series of samples, all the samples are imaged while the focal point is fixed.

The method of presetting the focus is not particularly limited, and may be manual or automatic. Further, when focusing, when an axis connecting the camera or the like and the sample is assumed, the direction of the axis with respect to the sample mounting surface of the translucent plate is not particularly limited, and the direction of the axis with respect to the sample mounting surface of the transmissive plate is not particularly limited. It may be vertical, horizontal, or diagonal.

The setting of the focal length is not particularly limited as long as it is a distance corresponding to a position on the translucent plate where the sample may be present.
For example, when urine sediment is to be analyzed, a standard sample of urine sediment is placed on a translucent plate in advance to focus on it, and each test sample is analyzed using this focal length. Just do it. In this case, an artificially prepared composition, particles, a sample, or the like may be used as the standard sample.
Alternatively, the standard sample may not be used and the focus may be set on the surface where the translucent plate is in contact with the sample. Alternatively, assuming the size of the formed portion to be analyzed, set the focus at a place slightly away from the surface where the translucent plate is in contact with the sample (the range that does not exceed the assumed formed size). May be good.

By setting the focus in advance and performing imaging, the autofocus mechanism becomes unnecessary, which is preferable in that the device can be simplified and miniaturized, and is also advantageous in terms of maintenance. Further, when the light transmitting plate is washed and used repeatedly, a mechanism for supplying the light transmitting plate becomes unnecessary. The autofocus mechanism and the mechanism that supplies the translucent plate are completely different, and in the past, the independently developed ones were combined in the device, so there was a lot of waste in the space occupied by the entire device, but both. If the mechanism of is no longer necessary, the effect of simplification and miniaturization will be further enhanced.

The "means for enlarging the formed sample image" is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, an optical magnifying glass of the sample image before imaging, such as a zoom lens or an objective lens attached to the camera. However, the image of the captured specimen image may be enlarged by digital processing or the like.

The formed components in the sample range from those having a size of several μm such as blood cells and bacteria to those having a size of several hundred μm such as cylinders. Therefore, it is preferable that the magnifying power of the magnifying means has two or more types rather than only one type. In this case, it is possible to analyze from a small formed component to a large formed component more accurately. Further, the magnification may be continuously changed. The magnification may be appropriately determined according to the formed portion.

The "means for processing an captured image and identifying it into various components" classifies and identifies the formed components in the captured image based on its morphology and the like. It is preferable to add a function of calculating the analysis result from all the identification results of the preset visual fields and a function of outputting the analysis result from the output device to the identification means. The preset field of view here means the number of fields of view (images) to be imaged. Further, it is preferable that the identification means is provided with a memory or the like for temporarily storing the captured image.

Examples of the identification means include a computer programmed to perform the above identification, an identification device composed of a logic circuit, and the like. Of these, if a computer is used as the identification means, all the operations such as operation, image processing, storage, calculation, and output of each process can be controlled on the software, which is preferable.

Examples of the configuration of the identification means include an image processing control circuit, an image memory, a feature extraction circuit, an identification calculation circuit, a central control unit, a display as an output device, and an image storage for storing the results of identification in various components. A combination of devices can be mentioned.

The processing performed by the above-mentioned apparatus will be described. The following description is merely an example and is not limited thereto. The image processing control circuit controls the drive circuit to control the movement or stop of the XY table, and causes the CCD camera to take an image when the XY table is stopped. The image obtained by the CCD camera is digitized by the A / D converter. The image processing control circuit stores the digitized image data in the image memory. After the storage in the image memory is completed, the image processing control circuit further moves the XY table to change the imaging position (field of view), and performs imaging, A / D conversion, and storage in the memory in the same manner as described above. .. The image processing control circuit repeats this series of operations until the preset number of fields of view is reached. The movement of the XY table for changing the imaging position may be controlled so as to be performed after the image analysis for one field of view is completed. Next, the image processing control circuit inputs the image data stored in the image memory to the feature extraction circuit. The feature extraction circuit is a feature amount of an image (for example, area of formed portion, circularity coefficient, equivalent circle diameter, perimeter, absolute maximum length, ferret diameter X / Y ratio, maximum chord length X / Y ratio, minor axis. Length / major axis length ratio, etc.) is extracted as a primary parameter. The image processing control circuit inputs these primary parameters and the secondary parameters generated by the combination operation of these to the identification calculation circuit. The identification calculation circuit classifies the formed components using, for example, a neural network. A neural network performs learning using a large amount of data based on the judgment of an expert in advance, and optimizes the connection coefficient between each neuron. Therefore, the identification calculation circuit performs a neural network calculation using the input primary and secondary parameters, and automatically classifies the target formed portion. Instead of the neural network calculation, the identification calculation circuit may be allowed to automatically classify the formed portion using the statistical learning recognition method. The central control unit stores the classification result and the image data in an image storage device such as a magneto-optical disk.

The identification means preferably has a learning function. By having a learning recognition function, measurement results with high accuracy and precision are provided. The identification means are (1) specification of the range of color extraction that separates red, green, and blue into lightness and chromaticity, (2) specification of the range of binary image processing consisting of filling in holes, writing line segments, and separating images. (3) Image features (area, circularity coefficient, circle equivalent diameter, circumference length, absolute maximum length, ferret diameter X / Y ratio, maximum chord length X / Y ratio, minor axis length / major axis length ratio Etc.) can be learned to specify the range and can be identified.

Further, it is preferable that the apparatus of the present invention is provided with a means (image storage apparatus) for processing the captured image and storing the results of identification into various components. Examples of the means for storing include an auxiliary storage device such as a magneto-optical disk, a fixed disk, a digital video disk, or a CD-R having a large storage capacity. Examples of the output device used in the device of the present invention include an output device such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, and a printer, and the above-mentioned auxiliary storage device.

When a display is used as the output device, depending on the menu selection, in addition to the measurement results and image data, the time, the current device status (measurement status of each sample, scheduled measurement end time of each sample or selected sample, or A function to display the required remaining time, the amount of waste liquid in the waste liquid tank, the remaining amount of the pure water tank, the remaining amount of each reagent, the remaining amount of detergent, the remaining number of slide glasses), etc. A function of enlarging the display may be added so that the image can be read from.

In the apparatus of the present invention, the function of classifying the unclassifiable formed components into the item "other components" or the image thereof is called later as the identification means, and the engineer directly visually judges and judges the judgment result. You may add functions that can be added or modified to the data.

The device of the present invention may be provided with a function capable of remotely controlling the selection of the display menu of the display and the operation of the device by using the remote control device. Further, in the apparatus of the present invention, when some kind of accident occurs, when the waste liquid tank is full, when the remaining amount of pure water, each reagent, detergent, slide glass, etc. is low, a screen display is displayed. A function of issuing a warning by a sound or a signal may be added.

In order to respond to urgent analysis, the device of the present invention has a function of preferentially interrupting an urgent sample (a sample requiring urgent analysis) next to a sample being analyzed, or a function of suspending analysis and immediately urgent sample. You may add a function to analyze. Since it is necessary to perform urgent analysis quickly, it is preferable to install, for example, an emergency analysis button so that the device can perform urgent analysis only by operating the button.

The analyzer according to the present invention may further have the means shown in (5) below.
(5) Means for Automatically Placing the Sample on the Translucent Plate Here, the means for automatically placing the sample on the target place (on the translucent plate in (5) above) is not particularly limited.
For example, various known means such as a means for sucking and discharging with a pump or the like via a probe or a tip can be used. It should be noted that these means can also be shared with each of the means (5B), (5C) and / or (5D) described later.
Further, a method of dropping a sample on a slide glass and covering the sample with a cover glass, and a known smear preparation method can be mentioned.

The analyzer according to the present invention may be one in which the apparatus shown in (5) above and the apparatus having the means (1) to (4) above are integrated, or from (1) to (1) above. Another device having the means of (5) may be connected to the device having the means of 4).

Here, "connection" does not necessarily mean that the two devices are spatially close to each other, and for example, a device having a means for moving a sample prepared in another place to a formed component analyzer by a transport device. It may be.

In the analyzer according to the present invention, the apparatus shown in (5) may exist completely independently of the apparatus having the means (1) to (4). For example, a sample prepared in another place may be manually moved to a formed component analyzer for analysis.

In the analyzer according to the present invention, the means of (5) may include at least one or more of the means shown in (5A) to (5D) below.
(5A) Means for centrifuging the sample (5B) Means for dispensing the sample (5C) Means for adding the stain solution (5D) Means for dispensing or dropping the sample onto the translucent plate

Regarding the means for centrifuging the sample (5A), the method and the strength of the centrifugal force are not particularly limited. For example, the strength of the centrifugal force is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to perform centrifugation at 1000 G or less, more preferably 750 G or less, and further preferably 500 G or less. The stronger the centrifugal force, the greater the risk that the formed components will be physically damaged. On the other hand, the preferable lower limit of the centrifugal force is 100 G, more preferably 200 G, and further preferably 300 G. When the centrifugal force becomes weaker, it becomes more likely that the formed components cannot be sufficiently separated.

The method for dispensing the sample (5B) is not particularly limited. For example, various known means such as a means for sucking and discharging with a pump or the like via a probe or a tip can be used. If a disposable probe or chip is used, cross contamination can be further reduced.

The method for adding the staining solution (5C) is not particularly limited. For example, various known means such as a means for sucking and discharging with a pump or the like via a probe or a tip can be used. In the above means, a probe or chip dedicated to dispensing the staining solution can be used, but if the probe for the sample is shared, the configuration of the apparatus becomes simpler and space saving and cost saving can be achieved.

Further, if necessary, a means for mixing the staining solution and the sample by stirring may be included. The method is not particularly limited, and for example, a method using a separate stirring jig such as a stirring rod or a non-contact stirring method in which the sample container itself is shaken to stir is conceivable, but a jig that sucks liquid is preferably used. The method can be mentioned. Examples of the jig that sucks the liquid include a probe. In this case, it is conceivable that the probe itself has a stirring function. That is, at the time of liquid suction, stirring is performed by repeating suction-discharge one or more times, the suction-discharge is performed while changing the position of the probe, or the probe itself is moved to play the role of a stirring rod. A method of stirring can be mentioned. By providing these probes themselves with a stirring function, the configuration of the apparatus becomes simpler and space saving and cost saving are achieved.

The method for dispensing or dropping the sample (5D) onto the translucent plate is not particularly limited. For example, various known means such as a means for sucking and discharging with a pump or the like via a probe or a tip can be used.

It should be noted that the analyzer of the present invention is within the scope of the present invention as long as it is configured on the premise that the user controls it integrally as an analysis system, even if a part of the analyzer is apparently separated in form. May be included in. For example, with respect to the part of the formed component analyzer for preparing a sample, a means for placing the sample on the translucent plate and a means for imparting sample identification information to the transmissive plate are separated as the sample preparation device. Even if it is, it is included in the present invention.

The analysis method according to the present invention is a method for analyzing a formed component contained in a sample and includes the following steps (1) to (3).
(1) Step of enlarging the sample image of the formed component in the sample (2) Step of imaging the sample image of the formed component with a fixed focus (3) Step of processing the captured image and identifying it into various components. The method can be easily carried out by using the above-mentioned apparatus of the present invention.

The analysis method according to the present invention may include the following step (4) before the step (1).
(4) Step of automatically placing the sample on the translucent plate

The analysis method according to the present invention may be a method in which the step (4) includes at least one or more of the steps shown in the following (4A) to (4D).
(4A) Step of centrifuging the sample (4B) Step of dispensing the sample (4C) Step of adding the stain solution (4D) Step of dispensing or dropping the sample onto the translucent plate

The analysis method according to the present invention may be a method in which the steps (1) to (3) and the step (4) are performed by separate devices.

The analysis method according to the present invention can be easily carried out by using various forms of the formed component analyzer described above.

[Details of the translucent plate that can be used in the present invention]
Hereinafter, up to paragraph 0099, the translucent plate that can be used in the present invention will be mainly illustrated.
3 and 4 are views showing an example of a light-transmitting plate integrally formed with a coated light-transmitting plate used in the present invention. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a semi-finished product of the light-transmitting plate before assembling the light-transmitting plate shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the semi-finished product 50 of the translucent plate used in the present invention includes a cover glass portion 10, a slide glass portion 20, and a connecting portion 30. The cover glass portion 10, the slide glass portion 20, and the connecting portion 30 are integrally molded by, for example, injection molding using a resin material. The slide glass portion 20, the connecting portion 30, and the cover glass portion 10 are provided side by side in a straight line in this order.

The semi-finished product 50 of the translucent plate is a portion that defines the bottom surface B of the slide glass portion 20 by bending the connecting portion 30 so that the slide glass portion 20 and the cover glass portion 10 are arranged to face each other. The storage portion R (see FIGS. 3 and 4) described later can be formed by the portion 200 and the portion 100 that defines the top surface U of the cover glass portion 10.

The cover glass portion 10 includes a main body portion 11 and engaging protrusions 12a and 12b. Further, the cover glass portion 10 may include a spacer portion 13. The cover glass portion 10 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. The main body 11 has a flat plate shape. The main body portion 11 has a main surface 11a that faces the slide glass portion 20 in a state where the connecting portion 30 is folded back. The main surface 11a of the main body portion 11 includes a portion 100 that is a portion that defines the top surface U of the storage portion R. The main surface 11a of the main body 11 is preferably flat.

The engaging protrusions 12a and 12b are provided so as to be fitted to the locking protrusions 22a and 22b of the slide glass portion 20 described later. The engaging protrusions 12a and 12b are provided so as to project upward along the normal direction of the main surface 11a of the main body 11 from the periphery of the portion 100 that defines the top surface U. The engaging protrusions 12a and 12b are provided so as to face each other so that a portion 100 serving as a portion defining the top surface U is located between them. Engagement protrusions 12a, 12b
Is provided so as to extend along the lateral direction of the cover glass portion 10.

The spacer portion 13 is provided on a portion 100 that is a portion that defines the top surface U. For example, the spacer portion 13 is provided so as to project upward along the normal direction of the main surface 11a. A plurality of spacer portions 13 are provided so as to be separated from each other. For example, the plurality of spacer portions 13 are arranged in a matrix of two columns and two rows. The shape of the spacer portion 13 can be appropriately selected from a columnar shape, a polygonal columnar shape, a truncated cone shape, a hemispherical shape, and the like. The spacer portion 13 preferably has a spot-like shape when viewed from the normal direction of the main surface 11a of the main body portion. In the above example, the spacer portion 13 is provided on the cover glass portion 10, but the spacer portion 13 may be provided on the slide glass portion 20 and project toward the cover glass portion 10, or the slide glass. It may be provided in both the portion 20 and the cover glass portion 10. Further, the number of spacer portions 13 is not limited. Further, the spacer portion 13 may be provided in the observation area of the microscope at the time of use.

The slide glass portion 20 includes a base portion 21 and locking projections 22a and 22b. The base portion 21 has a substantially plate-like shape. The base portion 21 is provided so that its thickness T2 is thicker than the thickness T1 of the main body portion 11 of the cover glass portion 10. The base portion 21 includes a first accommodating portion 23 accommodating the locking projection 22a, a second accommodating portion 24 accommodating the locking projection 22b, and an opening 26 provided substantially in the center.

The first accommodating portion 23 is provided on the end portion 20a side opposite to the end portion 20b side of the slide glass portion 20 connected to one end side of the connecting portion 30. The first accommodating portion 23 is a concave opening extending along the lateral direction of the cover glass portion 10. The first accommodating portion 23 is provided so that the engaging projection portion 12a can also be accommodated when the connecting portion 30 is bent so that the cover glass portion 10 approaches the slide glass portion 20 from above. Further, the bottom surface 23a of the first accommodating portion 23 is provided at a position lower than the bottom surface 26a of the opening 26.

The second accommodating portion 24 is provided on the end portion 20b side of the slide glass portion 20. The second accommodating portion 24 is an opening extending along the lateral direction of the cover glass portion 10. The second accommodating portion 24 is provided so that the engaging projection portion 12b can also be accommodated when the connecting portion 30 is bent so that the cover glass portion 10 approaches the slide glass portion 20 from above. The bottom surface 24a of the second accommodating portion 24 is provided at a position lower than the bottom surface 26a of the opening 26. The bottom surface 24a of the second accommodating portion 24 is located at the same height as the bottom surface 23a of the first accommodating portion 23.

The second accommodating portion 24 may include an inclined portion 24b that inclines so as to increase in height as it approaches one end side of the connecting portion 30. By providing the inclined portion 24b, the second accommodating portion 24 is provided so as to have a wider width along the longitudinal direction of the cover glass portion 10 as compared with the first accommodating portion 23. The inclined portion 24b prevents the engaging protrusion 12b and the base portion 21 from coming into contact with each other when the connecting portion 30 is bent and the engaging protrusion 12b is inserted into the second accommodating portion 24.

The locking protrusions 22a and 22b can be fitted to the engaging protrusions 12a and 12b by bending the connecting portion 30 so that the cover glass portion 10 and the slide glass portion 20 are arranged to face each other. It is configured to be. The locking projections 22a and 22b are provided so as to project upward from the bottom surface 23a of the first accommodating portion 23 and the bottom surface 24a of the second accommodating portion 24 along their normal directions.

The opening 26 is defined by a bottom surface 26a and a peripheral wall portion 27 provided around the bottom surface 26a. The peripheral wall portion 27 is a part of the base portion 21 and has a frame-like shape. The peripheral wall portion 27 is provided so as to be arranged inside the locking projections 22a and 22b. The peripheral wall portion 27 is provided so as to be separated from the locking projections 22a and 22b.

The connecting portion 30 is a portion that connects a part of the peripheral edge of the cover glass portion 10 and a part of the peripheral edge of the slide glass portion 20. One end side of the connecting portion 30 is connected to the end portion 20b of the slide glass portion 20 located on the locking protrusion 22b side in the direction in which the locking protrusions 22a and 22b are lined up. The other end side of the connecting portion 30 is connected to the end portion 10b of the cover glass portion 10 located on the locking protrusion 22b side in the direction in which the engaging protrusions 12a and 12b are lined up.

The connecting portion 30 is configured to be bendable so that the main surface 11a of the main body portion 11 of the cover glass portion 10 and the bottom surface 26a of the opening portion 26 of the slide glass portion 20 face each other. The connecting portion 30 has a V-shaped notch 31 at substantially the center so that the portion serving as the starting point of bending is thin. As a result, the connecting portion 30 can be easily bent starting from the vicinity of the tip of the notch portion 31. Further, in order to ensure the flatness between the cover glass portion 10 and the slide glass portion 20 when the connecting portion 30 is bent, a recess 32 is provided in the portion to be the inner bent portion. The shape of the cutout portion 31 is not limited to the V shape, and can be appropriately changed such as a concave shape. Further, the shape of the recess 32 is not particularly limited.

In the semi-finished product 50 of the speculum plate, the slide glass portion 20 and the cover glass portion 10 are fitted by providing the engaging protrusions 12a and 12b and the locking protrusions 22a and 22b so as to be able to fit. It is provided so that it can be fixed. The engaging protrusions 12a and 12b and the locking protrusions 22a and 22b correspond to the locking mechanisms provided on the cover glass portion 10 and the slide glass portion 20, and are used to fix the cover glass portion 10 and the slide glass portion 20. It functions as a fixing portion 40 (see FIG. 4) described later.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a light-transmitting plate integrally formed with a coated light-transmitting plate used in the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the translucent plate 1 includes a cover glass portion 10, a slide glass portion 20, a connecting portion 30, a storage portion R, and a fixing portion 40. The translucent plate 1 is fixed by the fixing portion 40 so that the slide glass portion 20 and the cover glass portion 10 are arranged to face each other by bending the connecting portion 30 of the semi-finished product 50 of the translucent plate. It is composed.

Specifically, in a state where the connecting portion 30 is bent, the engaging protrusions 12a and 12b protruding from the cover glass portion 10 toward the slide glass portion 20 side are moved from the slide glass portion 20 to the cover glass portion 10 side. The cover glass portion 10 and the slide glass portion 20 are fixed by being fitted and fixed to the locking protrusions 22a and 22b protruding toward the surface. As described above, the fixing portion 40 is composed of the engaging protrusions 12a and 12b and the locking protrusions 22a and 22b.

The cover glass portion 10 includes a portion 100a (see FIG. 4) that defines the top surface U of the storage portion R, and the slide glass portion 20 includes a portion 200a (see FIG. 4) that defines the bottom surface B of the storage portion R. .. The portion 100a that defines the top surface U of the storage portion R corresponds to the portion 100 that is the portion that defines the top surface U of the storage portion R in the cover glass portion 10 before fixing. The portion 200a that defines the bottom surface B of the storage portion R corresponds to the portion 200 that defines the bottom surface B of the storage portion R in the slide glass portion 20 before fixing.

The storage portion R is fixed in a state where the cover glass portion 10 and the slide glass portion 20 are arranged to face each other, so that the portion 200a and the cover glass portion 10 that define the bottom surface B of the storage portion R in the slide glass portion 20 are formed. It is formed between the storage portion R and the portion 100 that defines the top surface U.

The translucent plate 1 has a window portion 29 for supplying a liquid sample. The window portion 29 is a gap between the cover glass portion 10 and the opening 26, which is formed by not covering a part of the opening 26 of the slide glass portion 20 with the cover glass portion 10. The window portion 29 communicates with the storage portion R, and at the time of inspection, the liquid sample is supplied from the window portion 29, so that the liquid sample is filled in the storage portion R by the capillary phenomenon.

In a state where the cover glass portion 10 is fixed to the slide glass portion 20, the peripheral wall portion 27 contacts the main surface 11a of the main body portion 11 and supports the cover glass portion 10 from the inside of the locking projections 22a and 22b. do. As a result, the flatness of the slide glass portion 20 and the cover glass portion 10 is maintained.

When the spacer portion 13 is provided, the spacer portion 13 is located in the storage portion R, and the apex portion of the spacer portion 13 is in contact with the bottom surface 26a of the opening 26 of the slide glass portion 20. It becomes. As a result, when the spacer portion 13 is provided, the bending deformation of the cover glass portion 10 or the slide glass portion 20 can be more reliably suppressed. It is possible to suppress fluctuations in the capacity of the liquid sample filled in the storage portion R.

Subsequently, a method for manufacturing the translucent plate 1 will be described. When manufacturing the translucent plate 1, first, in the first step, the slide glass portion 20 including the portion 200 that defines the bottom surface B of the storage portion R and the top surface U of the storage portion R are defined. The cover glass portion 10 including the portion 100 and the connecting portion 30 connecting a part of the peripheral edge of the slide glass portion 20 and a part of the peripheral edge of the cover glass portion 10 are formed by injection molding or the like using a resin material. By integrally molding, the semi-finished product 50 of the translucent plate 1 having the above-described configuration is molded. At this time, the engaging protrusions 12a and 12b and the locking protrusions 22a and 22b as fixing portions for fixing the cover glass portion 10 and the slide glass portion 20 in the bent state of the connecting portion 30 are also integrally formed at the same time. NS.

Next, in the second step, the slide glass portion 20 and the cover glass portion 10 are arranged to face each other by bending the connecting portion 30, so that the bottom surface B of the storage portion R in the slide glass portion 20 is defined. The storage portion R is formed by the portion 200 and the portion 100 that defines the top surface U of the cover glass portion 10. At this time, the cover glass portion 10 and the slide glass portion 20 are fixed by using fixing portions such as the engaging protrusions 12a and 12b and the locking protrusions 22a and 22b. As a result, the translucent plate 1 is manufactured.

In manufacturing the translucent plate 1 used in the present invention, since the semi-finished product 50 of the speculum plate in which the cover glass portion 10, the slide glass portion 20 and the connecting portion 30 are integrally molded is used, the cover glass portion 10 and the slide It is not necessary to manufacture the glass portion 20 individually. Further, in the translucent plate 1 used in the present invention, the cover glass portion 10 and the slide glass portion 20 are bent by the fixing portion 40 without separating the cover glass portion 10 and the slide glass portion 20 from the connection portion 30. It can be manufactured by fixing and. This eliminates the need for a cutting step in the manufacturing process. As described above, the translucent plate 1 used in the present invention can be manufactured by simplifying the manufacturing process by using the semi-finished product 50 of the speculum plate and the manufacturing method described above. Further, since the cutting step is not required in the manufacturing process, it is possible to prevent the generation of foreign matter due to the cutting. As a result, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the storage portion R formed on the light transmitting plate 1 during assembly. As a result, in the translucent plate 1 used in the present invention, it is possible to suppress misidentification of foreign matter as a formed component at the time of inspection, and it is possible to improve the inspection accuracy.

In the translucent plate illustrated above, a plurality of storage portions may be provided for a single slide glass portion, and a plurality of cover glass portions may be provided according to the number of storage portions. In this case, one cover glass portion may be provided for one storage portion, or one cover glass portion may be provided for a plurality of storage portions. Further, the number and arrangement of the storage portions can be appropriately changed, and the number and arrangement of the cover glass portions can be appropriately changed according to the number and arrangement of the storage portions.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of a light transmitting plate integrally formed with a coated light transmitting plate used in the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cover glass-integrated slide glass 1 in which the cover glass serving as the coated translucent plate and the slide glass serving as the translucent plate are integrally formed. In FIG. 5A, the two opposing sides of the cover glass portion 3 placed on the slide glass portion 2 are sealed with an adhesive 4 or the like, and the remaining two opposing sides are in an open state. In FIG. 5B, three sides of the cover glass portion 3 placed on the slide glass portion 2 are sealed with an adhesive 4 or the like, and the remaining one side is in an open state. When the sample is dispensed from one open side, the sample is injected into the gap between the slide glass portion 2 and the cover glass portion 3 due to the capillary phenomenon. That is, the sample is placed on the slide glass portion 2 which is a translucent plate. By using the slide glass 1 integrated with the cover glass in this way, it is possible to easily and accurately inject a predetermined amount, and it is possible to save labor in the complicated sample preparation process for setting the cover glass.

As another example of the translucent plate used in the present invention, FIG. 6 (perspective view) can be illustrated. The multifunctional observation plate 80 of the present invention has a plate member 71 in which an observation unit 72 is provided on one side and one or more recesses (75 to 79) are provided in a portion other than the observation unit 72 on that side. .. The observation unit 72 is formed by installing a translucent sheet member 73 on the plate member 71, and is for observing the observation target liquid placed between the plate member 71 and the sheet member 73.

At least the portion of the plate member 71 on which the sheet member 73 can be installed (the portion serving as the observation portion 72) is formed of a translucent material so that light is transmitted from one side to the other. The sheet member 73 is joined to the plate member 71 by adhering with an adhesive 74 at a part of the peripheral edge thereof (two facing sides in FIG. 12). The recess 75 is a reaction tank for reacting the test liquid and the reagent to prepare a reaction liquid. The recess 76 is a reagent tank for storing the reagent, and is in a state where the reagent 76a is stored. Cleaning liquids (77a, 78a) for cleaning the probes (82, 84) are stored in the recesses 77 and 78 (cleaning liquid tanks), respectively. The recess 79 is a waste liquid tank for storing the cleaning liquid after cleaning the probes (82, 84). The reaction tank (recessed portion 75), the reagent tank (recessed portion 76), and the cleaning liquid tank (recessed portions 77 and 78) are sealed with a film-shaped sealing member 81. In addition, a recess may be further provided, and the test solution before the reaction with the reagent may be stored in the recess.

In FIG. 6, for example, the test liquid and the reagent are reacted according to the following procedure, and the liquid to be observed is observed in the observation unit 72.
(1) The probe 82 into which the test liquid 83 is sucked is inserted into the reaction tank (recessed portion 75) by breaking the seal member 81, and the test liquid 83 is injected.
(2) The probe 84 is inserted into the reagent tank (recessed portion 76) by breaking the sealing member 81, and a predetermined amount of reagent is sucked.
(3) The probe 84 is inserted into the reaction vessel (recessed portion 75), and the aspirated reagent is injected.
(4) The test solution and the reagent are reacted in the reaction tank (recessed portion 75) for a certain period of time, and a predetermined amount of the observation target solution (reaction solution) is sucked by the probe 82 or 84.
(5) The sucked observation target liquid is dropped on the side not joined by the adhesive 74 in the observation unit 72, and is injected between the sheet member 73 and the plate member 71 due to the capillary phenomenon.
(6) The liquid to be observed that has been injected and spread over the entire observation unit 72 is observed by an inspection engineer or a formed component analyzer, and the formed component is analyzed.
(7) Next, the probes 82 and 84 are inserted into the cleaning liquid tank (recessed portion 77) in which the cleaning liquid 77a is stored by breaking the seal member 81, and the cleaning liquid 77a is sucked.
(8) The cleaning liquid 77a sucked by the probes 82 and 84 is injected into the waste liquid tank (recessed portion 79) as a waste liquid.
(9) Further, the probes 82 and 84 are inserted into the cleaning liquid tank (recessed portion 78) by breaking the seal member 81, and the cleaning liquid 78a is sucked. The sucked cleaning liquid is also injected into the waste liquid tank (recessed portion 79) as a waste liquid.
(10) After the completion of all the steps, the multifunction plate 80 is discarded.

As described above, by using the multifunctional observation plate 80 shown in FIG. 6, it is possible to perform from the reaction between the test solution and the reagent to the washing of the probe with only one plate.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the translucent plate used in the present invention. In the example of FIG. 7, the translucent plate 80 is formed by providing one observation portion 72 and one recess 75 in the plate member 71. The plate member 71 is formed only of a translucent material. When the sample is the test liquid itself, the recess 75 may be a heating tank for heating the test liquid. When the sample is a reaction solution formed by reacting the test solution with another reagent (for example, a reagent for assisting the identification of formed components), a reaction tank for reacting the test solution with the reagent. , Or it may be a reaction tank and a heating tank. The observation unit 72 is formed by installing a translucent coated translucent plate 73 on the plate member 71. In the example of FIG. 7, a recess 90 is provided in the portion of the plate member 71 that serves as the observation portion 72. The translucent coated translucent plate 73 is adhered to the upper surface of the plate member 71 on two opposite sides thereof so as to close the opening of the recess 90 except for a part. The shaded area indicates a portion bonded and joined with the adhesive 74. The test solution or reaction solution is injected into the recess 90 through the gap between the plate member 71 and the translucent coated translucent plate 73, and is observed.

As described above, according to the formed component analyzer and the formed component analysis method of the present invention, according to the present invention, the formed component analysis method can analyze a sample more efficiently and reliably than before. It is possible to build an analyzer that is easy for users to use.

Claims (11)

An apparatus for analyzing urinary formations having the following means (0) to (4).
(0) Means for setting the focal length in advance so as to focus on a standard sample artificially prepared by simulating the composition of urine placed on the translucent plate (1) Imaging the sample on the translucent plate (2) Means for enlarging the sample image of the formed component in the sample (3) Means for imaging the sample image of the formed component at a fixed focal length having the preset focal length (4) Imaging Means to process the sampled image and identify it into various components The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the means of (5) below.
(5) Means for automatically placing the sample on the translucent plate The device according to claim 1, to which another device having the means of (5) below is connected.
(5) Means for automatically placing the sample on the translucent plate The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the means (5) includes at least one of the means shown in the following (5A) to (5D).
(5A) Means for centrifuging the sample (5B) Means for dispensing the sample (5C) Means for adding the stain solution (5D) Means for dispensing or dropping the sample onto the translucent plate The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the means of (6) below.
(6) Means for placing a sample on a light-transmitting plate or discharging a sample from the light-transmitting plate, which is provided with a suction / discharge mechanism using a nozzle. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the means of (7) below.
(7) Means for placing the cleaning liquid on the translucent plate or discharging the cleaning liquid from the translucent plate, which is provided with a suction / discharge mechanism using a nozzle. The device according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising the means of (8) below.
(8) Means for cleaning the nozzle used in (6) and / or (7) above. A method for analyzing urinary formations, which comprises the following steps (0) to (3).
(0) A step of placing a standard sample artificially prepared by simulating the composition of urine on a translucent plate and setting a focal length in advance so as to focus (1) Specimen image of a formed component in the sample. (2) A step of capturing a sample image of a formed portion at a fixed focal length having the preset focal length (3) A step of processing the captured image and identifying it into various components. The method for analyzing urinary formations according to claim 8, further comprising the following step (4) before the step (1).
(4) Step of automatically placing the sample on the translucent plate The method according to claim 9, wherein the step (4) includes at least one or more of the steps shown in the following (4A) to (4D).
(4A) Step of centrifuging the sample (4B) Step of dispensing the sample (4C) Step of adding the stain solution (4D) Step of dispensing or dropping the sample onto the translucent plate The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the steps (0) to (3) and the step (4) are performed by separate devices.

Images